Catch a Rainiers game

The smell of popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, peanuts and Cracker Jacks fills the air in a full stadium as the batter walks up to the plate.

The Tacoma Rainiers minor league baseball team are often associated with the Mariners, their major league affiliation. The team currently has 30 wins and 21 losses for this season.

“They’re doing really good this year,” Student Advocacy Senator and season ticket holder Perry Doidge said. “It’s a really good time to be a baseball fan in Washington state.”

In addition to home games each week, every Thursday is $2 beer night at Cheney Stadium, known as Thirsty Thursdays.

“My favorite part of going to the Rainiers is that the environment is very friendly,” Doidge said. “They make you feel like you’re at home there and part of the Rainier family.”

One of the most loved parts of Rainiers games is Rhubarb the Reindeer, the Rainiers mascot. According to the Rainier’s website, Rhubarb was born in the Mt. Rainier National forest but was drawn to the stadium’s fireworks and eventually fell in love with baseball.

“Rhubarb found that he’s very good at baseball because of his broad reindeer hooves, which help him run extremely fast,” according to Milb.com. “Be sure to look out for him at fairs, expos, school functions, charity walks and all sorts of fun summer activities.”

During the summer, there are many Rainiers oriented activities for people to participate in or watch.

“They always have some type of entertainment going on,” Doidge said.

One upcoming event is a “house hangout” on the grass at Cheney Stadium, involving music, food trucks and beer July 8, Aug. 12 and Aug. 26. Also, a little league night will be on June 10, and will include a pregame parade and fireworks.